Building a new home or renovating your existing home can be interesting, exciting…and down right scary. A major design project like this will seem daunting for many. Working with a professional interior designer will help you create the home you envision while taking the angst out of decision making, saving time and eliminating costly mistakes.
Before you hire a designer – it is a good idea to do some homework. Look for a designer that is a good match for you, your personality & your budget. Most designers have a fundamental aesthetic that remains consistent throughout their work. While a good designer is nimble enough to hop from one design style to the next without missing a beat, no two projects, or clients, are alike. This is an important decision; you will most likely live with it for many years to come.
Here are five key questions to ask a prospective Interior Designer
1. Do you have a portfolio of your work? An experienced designer will have a portfolio available on their website. You can gather significant information about the designer’s process by reviewing these completed projects directly with the designer. You might gain a different perspective of a project after a discussion of both the challenges and client requests that were associated with the design work. While reviewing a designer’s past projects look for parallels between their previous work and the project you envision.
2. Have you worked on many projects with a similar scope to what we are considering? A good designer is trained in many different areas and can work on a variety of projects. You want to be confident that the designer’s training and experience are commensurate with the demands of your project.
3. How can you help me control the cost of my project? Every designer has different experience, different contacts and different vendors with whom they prefer to work. What does this designer bring to the table to help you maximize your budget?
4. How are your fees structured? Discussions about money may be uncomfortable, but it is a very important component of a project. Make sure you get specific information about how financial parameters will be set and how billing will be executed. This should be in the form of a contract or letter of agreement.
5. How does this process work? How will we work together? How is information going to be shared? Good communication and a clear understanding of how the process will work as well as how the design will evolve is critical to setting your expectations and assuring that the designer’s work style meets your needs.
If you are looking for an interior designer in Boston, New England or beyond please consider calling me at 617-421-0800 to discuss your project. I’d be happy to discuss how I might able to assist you in creating the home you desire.
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